Whilst planning my recent Speyside trip, I had tried to encourage a group of whisky enthusiasts to mount an ascent of Ben Rinnes to see the sunrise. They lacked motivation before the trip and when this was coupled with some later nights and a few drams, the plan never saw the light of day. So, here I am, back firmly at home and wearing my PJs, ascending it in a very different way.
Aroma: At first, there is a huge whack of honeyed sweetness, but this soon gives way to a fruity dark chocolate note. This is reminiscent of raspberries or blackcurrant – sweet, yet acidic. Further noses uncover musty molasses or treacle toffee aromas deeper down in the mix.
Taste: The very first notes are the honeyed sweetness of the nose, but they are brief and give way quickly to berry fruits, dark chocolate bitterness and coffee. These notes widen, soften and become creamier as the warmth of the spicy middle floods the palate.
The spice is dark, sweet and chewy. This is an oily, viscous feeling dram and the heat descends your throat and warms your heart. The more you drink it, the fruitier it becomes and out comes a plum pudding note towards the end.
Real Dram Factor: A strong, complex and incredibly moreish 8.4.
You will like this if: you fancy swapping out your morning coffee fix for something punchier and less societally acceptable.
ABV: 46%
Price: £60.00
Source: Bought from Master of Malt